September 2025 Newsletter: When The Weather Carries More Meaning Than The Forecast

Summer is nearly over, and with it goes the feeling of endless days. In the Northeast United States, the leaves have already started to change, deep reds and oranges paint the landscape, the air is turning cooler and crisper; people are pulling out light jackets, the streets are filled with an early autumn vibe, and the first pumpkins are appearing in stores. Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, the story is completely different: Florida and the Gulf Coast are in the peak of hurricane season, the West Coast is battling massive wildfires, and in the Midwest, late summer brings flooding, reminding us that even in the heart of the continent, nature can change everything in an instant. America is vast and diverse, and sometimes it feels as if each region lives in an entirely different season.

Weather here is not just a geographical fact, it’s part of the culture, and in many ways, part of the language. Weather is perhaps the most popular small talk topic in daily life. Americans use it over and over as a polite, non-intrusive way to break the ice. When someone says, “It’s chilly this morning,” or “Looks like it’ll be a beautiful weekend,” they’re not just talking about the sky; they’re extending a metaphorical hand to start a conversation.

I remember the first time I noticed this myself. I was standing in line for coffee when the barista smiled and asked, “Isn’t it such a beautiful day today?” For a moment, I wondered why she was talking about the weather, after all, in Israel, this wouldn’t necessarily be our go-to conversation starter. Then I realized: it wasn’t about the sun or clouds, it was about the willingness to connect. She was offering a small moment of connection, and, I learned to smile back and carry the conversation forward. For her, it was simple; for me, it was my first real lesson in American small talk.

Even within the language itself, weather is everywhere. English is full of weather-related expressions: someone feeling unwell "is under the weather". When troubles pile up, "when it rains, it pours", and we all know "fair-weather friends" people who stick around only in good times. Once you begin to recognize these phrases in everyday conversations, the language feels more alive, more connected to the moment.

Just like the climate varies from region to region, so does the social language. In the sunny South and West, outdoor culture thrives: barbecues, football games, and community life around pleasant weather. In the Northeast, with its long, cold winters, conversations move indoors, into cozy coffee shops, libraries, or community centers. Even cultural identity takes shape through climate, along with the words and social habits that come with it.

That’s the key lesson: learning English isn’t just about grammar or vocabulary. It’s about understanding cultural context, small talk, everyday expressions, even something as simple as a conversation about the weather. Once we learn to use that, we’re not just “speaking English” we’re becoming part of the local culture and feeling more at home.

At JBE Tutoring, we believe language is, at its core, a bridge, not just between words, but between people. We’re here to help you not only understand what’s being said but also feel confident to join in, connect, and truly belong. If you feel it’s time to take your English to the next level, we’d be happy to support you.

Warm regards,

Judy

Spotlight Corner

This quarter, we interviewed Tal Erlanger Mashiah, a Life Coach who moved from Singapore to New Jersey with her children. After enrolling her kids in our programs, she decided it was just as important to strengthen her own English.

Here’s a bit of her story:

“Over the past year, I’ve been stepping into new professional spaces, leading coaching groups in English with diverse audiences worldwide. Speaking publicly in English increased my awareness of the need to refine, deepen, and strengthen my confidence in the language not just to communicate, but to make an impact. Out of commitment to professionalism and the quality I want to bring to every meeting, it was clear to me that it was time to invest in myself and find the right framework for my needs.”

1. What made you decide to study English?

   Leading groups in English, both in Israel and abroad, made me realize there’s room to strengthen my command of the language, not just to know it, but to feel fully confident in every nuance.

2. How did you hear about us, and what made you choose JBE?

   When we moved from Singapore to the U.S., I looked for teachers to help my children adapt to a very different school system. I heard about Judy through the local community, was impressed by the precision, the quality of the teachers, and the personal, flexible approach. When it came time to find a framework for myself, it was clear I trusted Judy and her team.

3. How does your one-on-one learning feel?

   It’s exactly what I needed, personalized, paced just right, and supportive of real growth without pressure.

4. Any key takeaways so far?

   The power of consistent practice, even in short sessions, has been transformative. Each lesson helps refine my language, from grammar to fluency, and working on content from my own field makes it deeply relevant.

5. Your tip for someone debating whether to start?

   Don’t wait for the “perfect moment”. Just start. It’s not only about knowing a language; it’s about creating freedom, confidence, and opportunities.

We wish Tal continued growth and success on her journey.

What We’ve Been Up To

At the end of August, we held our annual “Soft Landing for Kids” workshop.

This year, we expanded to a new location Austin, Texas alongside our existing programs in Boston/Brookline, MA and Tenafly, NJ. Over five intensive days, more than 110 children who had just arrived in the U.S. were introduced to the American school system. For many (and their parents), it was the first time experiencing such a different educational culture. The early exposure gave them confidence and essential tools for those first days in school. The heartfelt feedback we received reminded us how meaningful this program truly is.

Next year, we hope to expand even further across the U.S.

We also launched a new video series on our social channels, practical tips for everyday life in the U.S.: from small cultural differences to language tools that can save awkward moments.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram to get the latest videos directly.

Coming Up Next Quarter

In the second half of this quarter, we’re planning 3 free sessions for both newcomers and long-time community members:

• Pronunciation Workshop – Many people don’t realize the importance of pronunciation and often confuse it with accent. This session will give you practical tips to improve, especially in areas that are challenging for Israelis.

• How to Ace a Job Interview – The link between language and culture can be a hurdle in job interviews. This workshop will help Israelis understand both the spoken and the “unspoken” language of the process.

• College Prep Session – For parents and teens (10th grade and up). The American college system requires early planning even if your current plan is to return to Israel after the army. Experience shows that plans change, and knowing the process early makes all the difference.

Stay tuned so you don’t miss these events!